John Brooks appointment is laughable in Everton vs Sunderland after ‘worst decision of the season’
John Brooks is unlikely to be a popular figure at the Hill Dickinson Stadium as Everton prepare to welcome Sunderland on Sunday.
The two Premier League clubs have already met twice this season, most recently in the FA Cup third round, a game which was decided on penalties after a 1-1 draw on Merseyside.
James Garner was able to slot home a penalty in the 89th minute to secure a last-gasp draw in normal time, only to be knocked out, thanks to Robin Roefs’ shootout heroics.
Everton face Sunderland at the Hill Dickinson once again on 17 May, and the official in charge is likely to cause a stir ahead of the clash based on his previous performance in the middle.
⚽ Everton Matchday ⚽
Team news, line-ups, expert previews and tactical analysis for every Toffees fixture.
VISIT THE EVERTON MATCH HUBJohn Brooks has a history in Everton vs Sunderland
In what Keith Hackett described as “the worst decision of the season” back in January, the Toffees were handed a late penalty when Adam Aznou went down inside the area under pressure from Trai Hume.
Replays showed very little contact between the two, and Granit Xhaka was absolutely furious, picking up a yellow card for his protestations, going one step too far with the referee.
His reaction was fully understandable, though. The incident could have easily been swept aside by VAR had it been in operation, but just moments later, Garner was firing his spot-kick into the back of the net.
| Last five results between Everton and Sunderland | Date | Competition |
| Everton 1-1 Sunderland | 10 January, 2026 | FA Cup |
| Sunderland 1-1 Everton | 3 November, 2025 | Premier League |
| Everton 3-0 Sunderland | 20 September, 2017 | Carabao Cup |
| Everton 2-0 Sunderland | 25 February, 2017 | Premier League |
| Sunderland 0-3 Everton | 12 September, 2016 | Premier League |
While it didn’t affect the final result, with the Black Cats advancing on penalties, it was a very frustrating moment, and one that brought more questions about whether VAR is a useful tool or not.
Who else is officiating at the Hill Dickinson Stadium?
Brooks is joined by Simon Bennett, Craig Taylor and Oli Langford, with Tony Harrington in charge of VAR from a room at Stockley Park.
The Toffees may feel a sense of confidence with Harrington checking challenges from afar, given that he’s refereed three of their matches this season, and David Moyes’ side have won two of them.
Both teams are on a pretty horrendous run of results. Everton are winless in five matches, while the Black Cats have lost two and drawn two since beating Tottenham in a narrow 1-0 win.
Despite that, both teams are pushing for European qualification via a high Premier League finish, so the players will be fighting tooth and nail for every second ball.
🔵 Everton FC Master Hub 🔵
The definitive digital directory for the Toffees. Track the Friedkin era, Finch Farm fitness updates, and the transition to the New Everton Stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock.